Ground Beef Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
411 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Ground Beef Casserole
Description
Ground Beef Casserole begins with pasta cooked al dente and placed in a baking dish. A seasoned mixture of ground beef, diced onion, garlic, and Italian herbs is browned then combined with marinara sauce and fresh torn basil to create a flavorful meat sauce. This sauce is mixed with the pasta, and reserved pasta water is added to achieve a glossy texture. The dish is topped with shredded mozzarella and baked until the cheese melts and develops a light golden color.
The casserole offers a rich, meaty flavor from the ground beef and herbs, balanced by the tomato-based sauce and creamy melted cheese. The penne pasta provides a firm texture that holds the sauce well. Baking melds the flavors and creates a lightly crisped cheese topping.
It makes a filling dinner that can be served on its own or alongside a simple salad or bread. The recipe is practical for batch cooking and friendly for leftovers.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for a few days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. This casserole also freezes well for up to three months and can be baked from frozen by adding cooking time.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 onion diced, large
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 ounce jar marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup basil torn, plus more for garnishing, fresh
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserve ½ cup pasta water, and transfer the pasta to a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large deep skillet over medium-high, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and onions and season with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook the ground beef and onions, breaking up the beef into smaller pieces with the back of a wooden spoon until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 more minute. Stir in the marinara and basil, then transfer the sauce on top of the pasta in the baking dish and toss gently to combine. Add as much of the reserved pasta water as desired until the sauce looks glossy.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed.
- Freeze the casserole for up to 3 months, baking from frozen with an additional 20 minutes of cook time.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 411 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 411kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 738mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 630mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 535IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 212mg | 21% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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